AzTrials
AzTrials

Biological AgingINSPIRENCT04224038

The Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy Aging INSPIRE Platform

An observational study of Biological Aging, run by University Hospital, Toulouse at 1 site in France.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Since aging is a systemic (not organ-specific) phenomenon, the main objective of Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy Aging is to build a comprehensive research platform gathering biological, clinical (including imaging) and digital resources that will be explored to identify robust (set of) markers of… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 30 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Biological Aging
What is being tested?
The Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy Aging
How many people
1,000 participants
Where
1 siteFrance
Study dates
16 Oct 2019to 31 Oct 2033
How long will I take part?
10 Years
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 30 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Recruitment will be stratified per 10-year age groups, oversampling older people in order to be able to investigate major clinical events (eg, declines on IC, onset of age-related diseases)

Who may be able to join

  • Aged 30 years-old or over;
  • Both sexes
  • Affiliated to a social security scheme

Who cannot join

  • severe disease compromising life expectancy at 5 years;
  • Deprived of their liberty by administrative or judicial decision, or under guardianship

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

France1 site, 1 recruiting
  • University Hospital Toulouse

    Toulouse, 31059

    Bruno Vellas, MD, 05.61.77.70.47 ext. 33, vellas.b@chu-toulouse.fr

    Sophie Guyonnet, 5 61 77 70 43 ext. 33, guyonnet.s@chu-toulouse.fr

    Recruiting

Other trials in France

About this study

Official title: The Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy Aging

Since aging is a systemic (not organ-specific) phenomenon, the main objective of Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy Aging is to build a comprehensive research platform gathering biological, clinical (including imaging) and digital resources that will be explored to identify robust (set of) markers of aging, age-related diseases and IC evolution. The Inspire Platform will gather data and biospecimens from subjects of different ages (from 30 years or over - no upper limit for age) and functional capacity levels (from robust to frail to disabled) over 10 years.

Read the detailed description

This is a 10-year observational study. The study will be performed in Occitania Region. Once a year, a complete data collection will be performed in the Gerontopole of Toulouse, in participants' home and health centers by the Gerontopole mobile research team, and in selected Gerontopole's collaborating centers in Occitania.

Between yearly waves of data collection, participants will have their intrinsic capacity domains monitored (with or without the help of a caregiver) each 4-month through the use of either an app developed in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) or a web platform; or through a phone call by a clinical/research nurse. For the first self-monitoring of IC at four months, all participants will be contacted by a research/clinical nurse by phone; this call will inform about how participants measured their capacity and/or help them to do it. After this first 4-month phone call, participants capable of correctly self-monitoring their IC through the app will no longer be systematically contacted by phone. Once IC declines are confirmed, participants will have a thorough clinical assessment and blood sampling; such information will allow us to investigate the response of markers of aging at the time declines are detected. Those needing usual care, will be followed according to WHO framework recommendations proposed for Integrated Care for Older Adults (ICOPE).

Being tested
The Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy Aging
Keywords
Geroscience, biological aging and identifying targetable biomarkers, The Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy Aging, Aged 30 years-old or over, age-related chronic diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • The Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy AgingOther

    Several follow-up visits will be undertaken during the 10-year time frame of this project. Some of these visits are not regularly scheduled and will be conditioned by the remote monitoring of intrinsic capacity (IC) and the onset of other major clinical conditions. Other visits correspond to the regularly scheduled (yearly or every two years (biannual visits), depending on the outcome measures) waves of data collection.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Data collection of key variables and biospecimens

    The main outcome of Inspire Bio-resource Research Platform for Healthy Aging is to build a comprehensive research platform gathering biological, clinical (including imaging) and digital resources that will be explored to identify robust (set of) markers of aging, age-related diseases and intrinsic capacities (cognition, mobility, nutrition, hearing and visual capacities, psychological capacity) evolution. The Inspire Platform will gather data and biospecimens from subjects of different ages (from 30 years or over - no upper limit for age) and functional capacity levels (from robust to frail to disabled) over 10 years.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

Secondary outcomes (20)
  1. Identification of (a set of) biomarkers of aging through the constitution of a comprehensive biobank comprising: blood, saliva, urine, nasopharyngeal swabbing, skin biopsies and surface samples, dental plaque, faeces, hair bulb.

    1. Markers of aging: The identification of (a set of) markers of aging will be allowed from the constitution of a large dataset of clinical, para-clinical and digital data as well as a comprehensive biobank comprising: blood, saliva, urine, nasopharyngeal swabbing, skin material (swabbing, stripping, biopsies), dental plaque, feces, hair bulb.

    In this part of the study, we will take advantage of three complimentary approaches to look for the best markers of aging: without a priori approach (omics: transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics); semi a priori approach (field-specific omic. I.e. metabolism, inflammation, cell cycle, mitochondrial network…); and targeted approach (pre-identified targets).

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  2. measure intrinsic capacity domains with questionnaire in ICOPE App (developed in collaboration with W.H.O.)

    Icope app (developed in collaboration with W.H.O.) for smartphone and tablet to measure intrinsic capacity domains. This app will be used for the remote (at-distance) evaluation and monitoring (self-monitoring, monitoring by a caregiver, or a healthcare provider) of intrinsic capacity domains; for the monitoring, we will use only the Icope Step 1. When declines are detected in the Icope Step 1, we will use the Icope Step 2 (data collected by research nurses in a home visit or at the research facility) to confirm the decline and, then, look for the causes determining such declines.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  3. Basic and instrumental activities of daily living.

    Basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL). Basic ADLs will be assessed using the 6-item (eg, bathing, feeding, dressing) Katz scale; instrumental ADLs (IADL) will be assessed using the 8-item (eg, cooking, manipulating money) Lawton scale. These variables are measured as a clinical measurement of functional ability and, thus, healthy aging in late ages, according to WHO definition.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  4. Mini-nutritional assessment and food frequency questionnaire.

    Mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) and food frequency questionnaire. Nutritional status will be evaluated using the MNA (see Vitality description in Icope Step 2). A short (12-item; the question on physical activity has been removed since already investigated using other assessment tools in this project) food frequency questionnaire will be used to assess dietary quality. Nutritional status and diet may affect both intrinsic capacity domains and potential biomarkers of aging.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  5. Lifestyle questionnaires

    . Lifestyle questionnaires:

    1. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary time: Based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long form.
    2. Smoking: This will be evaluated by two questions: Do you currently smoke: any tobacco product? ; e-cigarettes? Responses will be anchored by the terms: daily; weekly, but not daily; less often than weekly; not at all.
    3. Alcohol consumption: This will be evaluated by a question of the food frequency questionnaire
    4. Solar exposure: Sun Protection and Exposure Habits Questionnaires

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  6. ActivPAL: objectively physical activity parameters.

    Objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sleep parameters. This will be assessed with an activPal activity monitor. Participants will wear the activPal for one week every two-years and will bring it back personally to the research facilities. Attention will be paid for participants wearing the activity monitor always during the same season to avoid bias related to seasonal changes. PA is one of the most important behaviors for healthy aging, being associated with both intrinsic capacity domains and biomarkers. Sleep changes are often associated with aging and may affect healthy aging.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  7. Self-reported visceral pain.

    Visceral pain. This will be assessed with a 4-item self-reported questionnaire. This questionnaire is particularly important for investigations on biomarkers from feces.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  8. Participant-reported outcome for cognition (CFI)

    Patient reported outcome measures (PROM). Four PROMs, covering cognition and mobility (the two functions that largely determine disability and increased healthcare costs), the overall feeling of fatigue and social isolation. All of them are validated tools for cognition, we will use the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), a 14-item questionnaire with score varying from 0 to 14, higher is worse. All the other three PROMs come from the NIH-funded initiative "Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system"

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  9. Participant-reported outcome for mobility

    Patient reported outcome measures (PROM). Four PROMs, covering cognition and mobility (the two functions that largely determine disability and increased healthcare costs), the overall feeling of fatigue and social isolation. All of them are validated tools for cognition, we will use the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), a 14-item questionnaire with score varying from 0 to 14, higher is worse. All the other three PROMs come from the NIH-funded initiative "Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system"

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  10. Participant-reported outcome for fatigue

    Patient reported outcome measures (PROM). Four PROMs, covering cognition and mobility (the two functions that largely determine disability and increased healthcare costs), the overall feeling of fatigue and social isolation. All of them are validated tools for cognition, we will use the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), a 14-item questionnaire with score varying from 0 to 14, higher is worse. All the other three PROMs come from the NIH-funded initiative "Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system"

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  11. Participant-reported outcome for social isolation (PROMIS)

    Patient reported outcome measures (PROM). Four PROMs, covering cognition and mobility (the two functions that largely determine disability and increased healthcare costs), the overall feeling of fatigue and social isolation. All of them are validated tools for cognition, we will use the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), a 14-item questionnaire with score varying from 0 to 14, higher is worse. All the other three PROMs come from the NIH-funded initiative "Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system"

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  12. Participant-reported outcome for SARQoL.

    Patient reported outcome measures (PROM). Four PROMs, covering cognition and mobility (the two functions that largely determine disability and increased healthcare costs), the overall feeling of fatigue and social isolation. All of them are validated tools for cognition, we will use the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), a 14-item questionnaire with score varying from 0 to 14, higher is worse. All the other three PROMs come from the NIH-funded initiative "Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system"

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  13. Participant-reported outcome for cognition (CFI) and mobility, fatigue, and social isolation (PROMIS), and SARQoL.

    Patient reported outcome measures (PROM). Four PROMs, covering cognition and mobility (the two functions that largely determine disability and increased healthcare costs), the overall feeling of fatigue and social isolation. All of them are validated tools for cognition, we will use the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), a 14-item questionnaire with score varying from 0 to 14, higher is worse. All the other three PROMs come from the NIH-funded initiative "Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system"

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  14. Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT).

    Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) provides a global overview of oral health. It is composed of 8 items: lips, tongue, gum-mucosa, saliva, natural teeth, prostheses, oral hygiene and pain. Each item is scored 0, 1 or 2. A score of 0 indicates the absence of degradation, a score of 2 indicates a significant presence of degradation, a score of 1 indicates that there is a remarkable modification without a significant or widespread degradation. The minimum score is 0 (satisfactory oral status) and the maximum score is 16 (degraded oral status).

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  15. Short physical performance battery and 30-sec chair rise test.

    Short physical performance battery (SPPB) and 30-sec chair rise test. The SPPB will be evaluated. With the participants' consent, performance in the SPPB tests will be video-recorded using standard cameras placed in three different angles in the room: the images will be analyzed to look for digital markers of aging through the patterns of motor function and subsequent subjects risk-stratification. The number of chair rises within 30secwill also be assessed in a fraction of participants. These measurements provide clinical information about mobility.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  16. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE)

    The Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and neuropsychological tests. The MMSE is a scale that provides total scores ranging from 0 to 30 (higher values represent better cognitive function). Besides the MMSE, in subjects less than 70 years-old the following neuropsychological tests will be used: free and total recall of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, score from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, and the Category Naming Test (2-minute category fluency in animals); when combined in a composite Z-score, these variables provide accurate information about participants' cognitive function.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  17. neuropsychological tests.

    The Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and neuropsychological tests. The MMSE is a scale that provides total scores ranging from 0 to 30 (higher values represent better cognitive function). Besides the MMSE, in subjects less than 70 years-old the following neuropsychological tests will be used: free and total recall of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, score from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, and the Category Naming Test (2-minute category fluency in animals); when combined in a composite Z-score, these variables provide accurate information about participants' cognitive function.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  18. Skin elasticity (cutometer measurement)

    Skin elasticity (cutometer measurement). This measures the bio-mechanical properties of the skin by applying mechanical stress to the skin. The measuring principle is based on suction and elongation. A device will be used to generate a negative pressure which can vary between 20 and 500 mbar. The area of the skin to be measured is drawn into the probe opening by this pressure. The depth of skin penetration inside the probe opening is determined by an optical measurement system. The stress can be exerted at different depths of the skin: the 2mm probe solicits the skin at the superficial dermis; the 6mm probe engages the skin more deeply, at the level of the deep dermis, at the limit of the hypodermis.

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  19. Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry

    Whole body magnetic resonance to measure the Isokinetic muscle strength with Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA°

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

  20. maximum oxygen consumption

    maximum oxygen consumption (VO²max) and aerobic power (blood sampling before and after the effort).

    Measured: through study completion, an average of 10 years

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 Jan 2020
  2. Study start16 Oct 2019
  3. Primary completion16 Oct 2031 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Oct 2033 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
1,000 participants (estimated)
Target duration
10 Years
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04224038
Sponsor's protocol ID
RC31/19/0236
Acronym
INSPIRE
Status last verified
Nov 2023
First submitted
15 Oct 2019
Last updated
21 Nov 2023
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • Peyrusque E, Michel E, Catalano C, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Rolland Y, Yuste A, Gonzalez-Bautista E, Abellan van Kan G; IHU HealthAge INSPIRE/Open Science group. Age- and sex-related distribution of 30-second chair stand test performance across adulthood: Findings from the INSPIRE-T cohort. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2026 Sep 23;152:106422. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2026.106422. Online ahead of print.

    PubMed 42822167
  • Cabrol A, Shourick J, Coley N, Oustric S, Guyonnet S, Vellas B, Escourrou E, Andrieu S; IHU HealthAge INSPIRE/Open Science study group. Feeling Younger as an Indicator of Better Overall Intrinsic Capacities in the INSPIRE-T Cohort. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2026 May;41(5):e70220. doi: 10.1002/gps.70220.

    PubMed 42059106
  • Bellelli F, Raffin J, Cesari M, Guyonnet S, Furman D, Rolland Y, Vellas B, de Souto Barreto P; IHU HealthAge INSPIRE Platform Group; IHU HealthAge Open Science group. The association of pain with intrinsic capacity and the moderating role of inflammation in France: a cross-sectional analysis of the INSPIRE-T project. Lancet Healthy Longev. 2025 Dec;6(12):100798. doi: 10.1016/j.lanhl.2025.100798. Epub 2025 Dec 5.

    PubMed 41360071

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Biological Aging, run by University Hospital, Toulouse at 1 site in France.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Nov 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in France. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Bruno VELLAS, MD (5 61 77 70 47 ext. +33, vellas.b@chu-toulouse.fr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Data collection of key variables and biospecimens (time frame: through study completion, an average of 10 years). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04224038, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Nov 2023.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in